Testimonials

What an amazing host you are!  In my 20s and 30s I thought nothing of putting on a dinner for 20, but I have to say that as I get older the idea fills me with horror!  We love the concept of the pavilion and on a slightly chilly evening how cosy it seemed with the log fire blazing and the heater bars radiating, all boosted by the energy of the conversation and the general high spirits.  And let us not forget the food: all delicious, though top prize goes to the excellent truffle risotto for a starter

With love

Machiko and Max Rutherstone

May 4th 2022

Saturday evening was a triumph at Stone House and you & your team more than played your part, giving everyone a wonderful time.  So many people commented on the warm welcome and the attentiveness of your butlers – and of course all loved the canapés.  I was very thrilled that you were at the helm.

With all love and thanks

Yvonne Horsfall Turner

April 25th 2022

The setting in your garden couldn’t be more magical, like stepping into another world, but it is the exceptional quality of Rosy’s food, the extraordinary attention to detail of her butlers, and the joy and charm with which she works so hard behind the scenes to make it seem to happen so easily that made the evening a dream.

Best wishes and thanks again.

Peter and Siobhan Stanford

November 22nd 2021

Rosy hosted the most marvellous birthday party for me in June – shortly after we were at last allowed to meet in groups outside post-lockdown. It was just the most blissful evening. The setting of her secret garden is sublime – all my friends were enchanted (I’d decided it was a girlfriends-only party and would highly recommend that to anyone!) – it really is like stepping into a little bit of paradise in the middle of Willesden Green. Rosy’s food is truly delicious, very special, incredibly accomplished and clearly made with love. We had plentiful handmade canapés then exquisite bowl dishes followed by the most lovely birthday cake. Her ‘butlers’ are divine, very professional yet warm, friendly and unobtrusive. We danced all night in the pavilion until as late as we could and had an absolute ball.
Thank you so much Rosy for making it all so very special.

Carolyn Gabriel

September 20th 2021

We would just like to say an enormous thank you for an excellent lunch and afternoon today. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their lunch and it was indeed a fantastic meal. Our vegan friend said it is the best vegan meal she has ever had.

Ronnie really enjoyed the day and it was really good.  He is absolutely thrilled that we came to you.

Stevie was extremely attentive as well.

With best wishes to you and David.

Thank you again.

Philippa Jacob

19^th May 2021

Thank you for producing such delicious food for my 90^th birthday party at lovely Stone House.  Everyone enjoyed the canapes, lunch and coffee and were very appreciative of the marvellous butlers who waited on us so perfectly.  All seamlessly done!

Monica Seymour

October 26th, 2019

Dearest Rosy, What a star you are and bless you for giving Monica such a very special 90th birthday lunch at Stone House which was truly delicious and generous.  Thank you, too, for clearing up and leaving everything so pristine.

Yvonne Horsfall-Turner

October 26th, 2019

Rosy, no words are enough to thank you for hosting and making our wedding celebration the most wonderful special memorable evening of the sealing of our love.

Yourself and David as a seamless team host an effortless celebration with food cooked with the taste of love.

From dancing through the enchanting fairy-lit garden to warming oneself against the roaring fire in the pavilion to the elegant and personal table settings with beautiful linen, cutlery and touches of garden roses, no detail was spared.

Your professional team of butlers made us feel royal with never a glass half full and no empty plate left standing.

David, thank you for the easy planning of the logistics of the table layout, to the flow of the dancing through the garden, to setting up the marquee in the event of a downpour, all of which made the celebration ever more an earthly dramatic scenario.  A huge success.

Rosy, you are a dream, a beautiful person, heartily full of life’s love, and your food is a testament to who you are – hearty, full of soul, love and care – special you.

Endless love and thanks.

Mariette, Vanessa, Ari & Buddy

September 29th 2019

Beautiful Rosy for the amazing wedding party last night.  Your house, your amazing cooking so clearly done with such passion, love and dedication and for being your vibrant, positive and wonderful self!  Thank you for creating such a perfect party for two such special people as Mariette and Vanessa.  I think this night will stay with all of us present for a long time to come!

Carole Round

September 28th, 2019

Dear Rosy, I can’t thank you enough for the perfect evening you created for me on Friday night.  Every single detail was divine.  It was like taking all my friends to a perfect magical island for a dinner party.  The food was incredible, so delicious.  The butlers attended to every detail – I felt like a Princess.  Thank you for everything, love

Hannah Garfield

September 9th, 2019

As always, my former colleagues were full of praise for you personally at our reunion gathering yesterday – and for your wonderful food!

None of us can believe that this is the fourth year of our meeting for our lovely lunch – and now you know all of us personally I know that a great part of their pleasure is to be so warmly welcomed by you and to partake of your gorgeous food.  If I were to invite them to my home and tell them that you were unavailable for some reason, I don’t believe that they would turn out just for one another, despite their pleasure in meeting! Fortunately they are all older than you, so I hope that we shall have the pleasure of our annual get-together enhanced by you and your excellent food for a long time to come!

Thank you, dear Rosy, for your food, your efficiency and your wonderful kindness to us all.  And here’s to 2020!

With love,

Anne

Anne Hogg

July 3rd, 2019

Thank you, Rosy, for the perfect day on Saturday.  It was such a beautiful moment which we will treasure forever.

Ellora Chowdhury

July 2nd, 2019

Thank you for all your marvellous efforts to make my ‘At home with Joyce’ evening at Stone House on midsummer’s day the resounding success it was – truly magnificent!  The many different canapes were delicious and so abundant – I am sorry I missed the tomato one, it looked amazing in preparation.  Thank you so very, very much, Rosy and your excellent team.

Yvonne Horsfall Turner

June 21st, 2019

A million thanks for coming to Rose Cottage and working your magic for us.  It was wonderful for us to know we were in safe hands while we were away celebrating at Hambleton Hall and that everything would be perfect on our return home for our 50th Wedding Anniversary lunch party.

Your catering was superb and your staff first class.  Please say an enormous thank you to your “boys”.  They were wonderful.

Thank you for everything you did to make our celebration so memorable.  All the little details were a joy, including the gold confetti at the end!

We have received many compliments about your cuisine, one couple writing “the meal was truly delicious and so expertly prepared and served – quite the best we have tasted, clearly a very talented company”.  We certainly agree!

Renewed thanks for everything,

Fiona and Hugh Dibley

May 30th, 2019

Rosy and her team have catered for us at a number of parties we have hosted over the last couple of years.  Each of these have been in our home and for up to 60 guests with drinks, canapés and sit-down meals: Rosy has never been phased.

She is a great planner and remains friendly and calm throughout the event.  Her team are amazing, and the standard of service is unequalled: they are on hand to top up glasses, organise the guests and answer requests no matter how odd.

People love to come to the parties and always check Rosy is catering before accepting an invite!!

Rosy literally is second to none: when she is in charge I know everything will go well.

Ffyona Dawber

May 24th, 2019

We all had such a lovely evening and it was a perfect way to celebrate my birthday.  There are a few things that for me made the dinner outstanding.  First the generosity with which you responded to my menu ideas and the way you and David guided me both in the run up to and on the night in an unobtrusive way, but nevertheless with both your fingers on the pulse!

There were the little extras that made the evening special: the beautiful linen on the table, the posies of flowers, pretty china and filtered water in elegant jugs.  The abundance of candles combined with the roaring fire created a warm and lovely atmosphere; a sense of nurturing that was conducive to everyone relaxing, enjoying the delicious and tasty food and having a great evening.

Stevie your butler rather stole the show and we all felt we had known him for years.  He was incredibly attentive and made every guest feel they were the most important person present.

Your secret garden is a very special place and you are very special people!

Huge thanks

Liz Specterman

May 11th, 2019

The meal was splendid and delicious, and the service lovely all round. It really made the evening, and we have had lots of praise already!  Thank you so much.

Piers Haggard

March 16th, 2019

I should like to thank you and your excellent staff for a most enjoyable evening last night.  What a wonderful way to celebrate David’s 65th birthday.  The food was delicious, the setting magnificent, the service superb and the atmosphere very special.  With all good wishes to your staff.

Philip Brodie

September 8th, 2018

Thanks for the most memorable evening last night.  What a magical venue, delicious food, excellent friendly service and a truly wonderful ambiance.  Best wishes,

Val (otherwise known as “the cold lady”

September 8th, 2018

Once again Rosy catered a magnificent birthday feast for my 20 guests.  Her staff (two butlers) were the height of courtesy and efficiency.

Nicolas Greenstone

August 20th, 2018

I just wanted to thank you and your team for the wonderful service you provided for us last night.  Piero and I were able to relax and enjoy the evening, and we didn’t have to worry about a thing as you took care of everything.  Your guys were so attentive and helpful, and it was such a relief at the end of the night not to have to do any clearing up!  We really were very impressed by the way you came in and set up, and then it was like we hadn’t even had a party at the end of the night.  Thank you all so much.  We would highly recommend you!!

Katie de Angeli

July 1st, 2018

Thank you for hosting and catering such a fabulous lunch today!  The food was delicious, and the garden could not have been more beautiful.  It was the perfect way to celebrate our little Charlie.  We really appreciate you making it so special.  Man, many thanks,

Cathy Stewart

June 23rd, 2018

I would like to put on record how splendidly Rosy Walker and her team handled my birthday party for forty guests at London’s Secret Garden on 16 June 2018. They did everything they could to make the event a great success, right through from the planning stages – which involved no less than three visits to the venue to discuss arrangements –  to the day itself comprising a lunch buffet, a concert and a birthday tea. The staff were not only thoroughly well organized but each one of them offered such a helpful and friendly service that many of my guests have commented on this.  Nothing was too much trouble, and it made a great difference to me that Rosy and David Walker managed the event personally from within their own home: this gave my special day a much more intimate, personalized feel. The food was really delicious, and the setting is, of course, stunning.  I have had sincere compliments from everyone who came and enjoyed the day, which I have passed on to Rosy and David Walker, and I cannot recommend the Secret Garden highly enough.

Helen Dymond

June 16th, 2018

Thanks so much for your help and wonderful cooking at both our recent parties.  Everyone has commented on how amazing the food and service was, and you made everything so easy for me to enjoy my own party!

Ffyona Dawber

May, 2018

After a chance recommendation from a friend of a friend I searched out Rosy’s company for a special birthday dinner.  I am so very glad I did, it was truly the best dinner party we have ever experienced – and many of our guests thought so too.  Rosy is a fabulous character, she made the planning of the event so straight forward nothing was too much trouble.  All 21 guests’ little food foibles were breezily and calmly accommodated, Rosy had great suggestions and understood our requests too. The food was exceptional and delicious.

The environment of the beautiful pavilion in the large back garden is so unexpected. The roaring fire inside when there was snow outside was particularly romantic, fireworks were a great addition.  The service was flawless, the experienced butlers invisibly made sure all wine glasses were continuously topped up as well as empty plates magically disappearing and full ones reappearing.  For the level of food, service and location the price is very reasonable.

I highly, highly recommend Rosy her cuisine and her team and their terrific location.

Maggie Toy

March 17th, 2018

Coinciding with one of the coldest (and windiest) days of the year, my 50^th birthday could not have been a warmer affair: it was everything I had wanted and more.  The idea was simple: invite nineteen of my closest friends to join Maggie and I for an evening of wining, fine dining and fireworks. (Meeting Rosy and her husband beforehand to choose the menu proved to be almost as enjoyable as the night itself.) From the moment we arrived we were served fizz and delicious canapés beneath the marquee before the rockets lit up the snow-covered garden. We then adjourned into the long, thin pavilion (which bears a slight resemblance to a Japanese railway carriage) for a delicious four-course dinner which would have put many of London’s proudest restaurants to shame.  The table was exquisitely decorated and the roaring fire at one end kept us toasty whilst Rosy and her hand-picked ‘butlers’ ensured that the wine that we had brought with us (no corkage here) did not go to waste.  Everyone who came agreed that it was a night to remember. Rosy is not only a gifted cook; she is also a born hostess.

Tim Forster

March 17th, 2018

Thank you so much for all your efforts on my 70^th birthday.  All was done very professionally and with great panache.  Please thank the butlers profusely for their contribution.

Jon Godfrey

March 10th, 2018

FIVE star review!!!!  Thank you very much for creating such a memorable and enjoyable party.  You and ‘the team’ made it all seem effortless, but I know that it involved a lot of preparation and focus, especially in the kitchen.  I also appreciate and remember all your helpful attention to detail, organisation and suggestions in the planning stages.  The food was delicious, with one scrumptious mouthful after another … and everyone’s tastes catered for … and, may I say, champion sushi and canapes.  The butlers never stopped circulating and gave each guest individual attention, which was much appreciated.  The garden was looking lovely in its autumnal form, and the whole setting was just delightful.  Especially delightful was Rosy’s dance around the garden!  You also won over hearts by being so friendly and tolerant of my friends who just popped into your kitchen for a chat!!!  As one of my friends said “what a find!”  I am so glad I found your London Secret Garden.  With love and gratitude.

Madeline Watson

October 15, 2017

We just got back from our two weeks in Morocco following the fabulous afternoon in your garden for our 50th Wedding Anniversary bash – thanks for such a great day.  What a fabulous venue – we got lots of points from our friends for finding such a great space, and the choice of menu was excellent, as was the service from ‘the boys’.  Unforgettable – thanks again.

Tim and Terri O’Regan

September 28, 2017

I cannot even begin to tell you the compliments I have received from my guests with regards to our party yesterday!  Everything was just so lovely – from the garden, the setting, the food, the service -we were all just so impressed.  I do wish I could have your butlers move in with me – life would be so much easier!  I have to make extra mention of the food – you are one seriously talented lady!!  Absolutely fantastic food (that curry, insanely good, and I have people asking me for your Salted Caramel millefeuille recipe!!!)  I will without doubt recommend you as a chef and as a function venue.  All my love.

Marissa Vassiliou

September 11, 2017

Having arranged a lunch party last year for former colleagues, I realised very late in the day that it would be foolish of me to do the meal myself as I would never get a real chance to talk to them.  I was just happy to find Rosy at pretty short notice and, at our first meeting, she was so warm and organised (of course, thinking of things I hadn’t!) that I was enormously relieved.  I had little to concern myself with, but was unprepared for her marvellous attention to detail.  She worked fast, was super-efficient, kind and patient with us ‘oldies’, discreet in serving her great food – and the lunch was such a huge success that it was unanimously voted to become an annual occasion.  This year, her warm welcome of old clients was enthusiastically reciprocated by them – and, of course, our gathering was an even greater success, and she will be welcomed by us all (and, of course, especially by me) for next year’s occasion – described by one of those present as ‘an annual event like Wimbledon and the Chelsea Flower Show’, and more pleasurable than either.  But, I would add, with far better food – and really great service!’

Anne Hogg

July 11, 2017

Dear Rosy,  Just to say thank you so much for providing me with a wonderful birthday party with your gorgeous food and the lovely young men who were terrific, looked after us so well and cleaned up so beautifully.  Everyone, but everyone, has told me how delicious they found your food (and the Pimms).  My favourite was the lamb tagine (and I enjoyed the leftovers!) and, amongst the canapes, the aubergine croquettes and the cunning little duck pancakes were an inspiration.  And the birthday cake – how marvellous was that, all covered in flowers – and really scrummy too!  All the best, Rosy – hope to see you again.  It was lovely working with you.

Barbara Frost

July 9, 2017

Thank you Rosy and crew for making my father’s 90th birthday luncheon such a huge success.  Rosy arrived at my house mid-morning and by one o’clock had created the most fabulous meal for us all.  Both Rosy and “her boys” worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of our party – they took all the stress out of it.  They were a delight to have in our home, and we can’t wait for the next occasion to celebrate with Rosy!  A million thanks to you all.

Nicola Leach

July 1, 2017

Dearest Rosy,  Thank you so much for the incredible show you put on for me and my friends for my 21^st birthday on Tuesday.  It was exactly the intimate yet lavish evening I had imagined, and more.  I really appreciated all the effort you went to – each one of those smoked mussels was to die for, and how you kept those garlic and potato aioli bites warm despite the rainy weather will always astound me.  At Oxford, whenever there is an occasion or someone’s parents come up for a visit, we almost always go to this Spanish tapas place called Arbequina for a meal. They do this nduja sausage dish which is heralded as the holy grail amongst my housemates: the number of them who came up to me after having your chorizo and said to me that it was even better than Arbequina you wouldn’t ever believe!  And that was only the start: the duck soup was scrummy; the lamb was lovely and the trio of chocolate a triumph.  The whole evening went so smoothly from start to finish.  Your butlers were so attentive, the little glasses you prepared for the limoncello were so classy and the sparklers on the cake made me feel like the real deal.  It was truly wonderful.  Since the party, I have had people messaging me about your phallic art and your amazing bathrooms.  Thank you so much for welcoming us so warmly into your house and garden, and for treating my friends and me as if we were at home.  We all loved the evening, the food and you.  It was delightful to turn 21 with you.  Thank you and love

Ed Rawlinson

June 25, 2017

Rosy did an incredible job in helping me throw a really memorable and special party for my 40^th birthday – nothing was too much trouble, and she clearly loves what she does.  Her food was exquisite and extremely plentiful, and she did an excellent job catering for various dietary requirements.  The Secret Garden venue itself is so unusual and pretty and, while I really appreciated being able to bring some of my own decorations, the garden is also stunning just as it is.  So many of my guests commented on both the beautiful setting and the amazing food.  The is definitely a very special and unique place to hold an event, and I would not hesitate to recommend it!

Claire Brinkman

June, 2017

I cannot thank you enough, Rosy, for the wonderful 70th party you catered for me. It was just perfect in every way. You do it so calmly and efficiently, and every aspect is well thought out. The food is so original, aromatic, beautiful to look at and tastes as good as it looks – or better! Your butlers Stevie and Gonzalo were superb and looked after everyone is such a warm and natural way. Every thank you I have received has raved about the food and the organisation! You are a flavour genius. Thank you, Rosy, it was a triumph!

Anna Sklovsky

May, 2017

Rosy did the catering for an 80^th birthday party in our family.  She arranged everything from table decorating to presenting various options for savoury food, puddings and cakes.  Everything was home prepared and quite delicious, and it was a delight to have Rosy’s warm presence and sense of humour.  We heartily recommend her for any function!

Bernard and Barbara Jackson

May, 2017

Dear Rosy, just to say many thanks for making my 60th a wonderful occasion. The food was superb, the butlers amazing and the ambience was something special. We won’t hesitate to come back for future celebrations. In your words it was “Absolutely Fab Darling”.

David Bloom

April, 2017

Dear Rosy, thank you for such a wonderfully professional and seamless reception party. All our guests thought the food and service were excellent, and they all had a good time enjoying such tasty food and elegant ambience. Sorry to inflict such hearty eaters on you! You did us proud.

Annie Friedman

April, 2017

We were lucky enough to arrange a big birthday at Rosy’s Secret Garden on August 12^th.  What a fantastic night it was – 35 of my wife’s friends and family from England and Ireland had assembled to surprise her!  There were a number of things that made the evening special.  Firstly the food was fantastic – wonderful canapés all prepared especially for the evening, fantastic roast beef along with other meats and tremendous desserts & cheese.  Then there was the service – really professional waiters, dressed wonderfully and giving discreet service with a smile.  One said quietly to me “I was at the Russian Embassy working last night, but this is much more fun”.  And Rosy was there overseeing everything in such a professional way.  One must not forget the location: from the front it looks like an ordinary 1920s Willesden Green semi, but behind lies a beautiful, unusual garden.  In the centre is a wooden Japanese-style pavilion where we ate dinner, and the whole garden can also be covered by a marquee in case of a wet evening.  We had a fantastic time – I recommend it to everyone!

Steve Garley

August, 2016

Rosy Walker’s food is heaven on a plate and the environment she creates is divine. I wish I could put into words how wonderful my 40th birthday brunch was. I would recommend Rosy’s catering unequivocally!

Maxine Jaffa

August 28, 2016

I had my wedding in Rosy’s garden. It was the perfect place to arrange the wedding ceremony and to enjoy the garden while we were taking the photos. Rosy opened her door so many times to give me enough time to prepare everything I needed for my special decorations. All our guests sent their compliments about the great food they never had the chance to enjoy before at any other weddings. Thanks to Rosy, who managed to listen to all my special requests about food and all the other crazy ideas I could have to arrange for my special day. The butlers did an amazing job too. We enjoyed every moment that day and wished that it would never stop. Thank you Rosy for this amazing day.

Caroline Sochor

July, 2016

Rosy hosted a marvellous family bash in her amazing garden. 27 members of the same family, including 15 from the USA, congregated to eat Rosy’s curries – totally amazing in flavour and diversity – the phenomenal Italian summer pudding and the selection of ‘to die for’ homemade ice creams, especially your home-churned Kulfi ice cream.

Nicolas Greenstone

July, 2016

Rosy, as always you were wonderful and right re the quantity. EVERYONE said how marvellous all the food was, and it was. Thank you for the way you presented it and your courtesy; you made it a very happy day for everyone. Your salmon was marvellous and so moist, chicken great and puds simply lovely. You are a star and thank Stevie too, he is so good and so charming.

Mrs Asserson

Feb 15, 2016